How to Renew Your Virginia Driver's License

Virginia Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

Virginia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Online renewal is fastest and costs the least, but you can only use it if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes a few hours on the day you go, and you leave with a temporary license you can use right away.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you want to change your address, and whether you have had a suspension or revocation. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as a new driver and take the written test and vision test again.

Key Takeaways

Virginia offers online renewal for $24 if your license is current and you have no suspensions or recent violations, and you get your new license by mail in seven to ten business days.
Mail renewal costs $24 and takes two to three weeks; you send a completed form and payment to the DMV address listed on your license.
In-person renewal at a DMV office costs $24, takes a few hours, and you receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid until your permanent license arrives.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew—you must complete a new driver process, pay the full fee, and pass the written and vision tests.
You must renew before your expiration date or within one year after it expires; Virginia does not offer a grace period for late renewals.

Online Renewal: Fastest Option for Current Licenses

Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website is the quickest and cheapest method if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not had a suspension or revocation in the past three years, and you do not need to change your address or photograph. The fee is $24, and you pay by credit card or debit card during the transaction.

To renew online, go to the Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will confirm your identity and show you the information on file. Review it carefully—if anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must renew in person instead. If everything is correct, approve the renewal, pay the fee, and you are done. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

Online renewal is not available if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need a Real ID-compliant license for the first time, or if you have had any traffic violations that resulted in points on your record in the past three years. Check the DMV website before you start to confirm you are may be able to access.

Mail Renewal: Two to Three Weeks

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photograph. You do not need to meet the same restrictions as online renewal—you can renew by mail even if you have had violations—but the process takes longer. The fee is $24.

Request a renewal form by calling the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538, or read the form from the DMV website (form DL 43). Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $24 to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible. Mail your packet to the DMV address shown on your license or on the form itself. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet, so allow extra time for mail delivery both ways.

Keep your current license until the new one arrives. If your license expires before the new one reaches you, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you mailed your renewal—keep a copy of the form and the mailing receipt. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

Renewing in person at a DMV office is the right choice if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or photograph, or if you want your new license the same day. The fee is $24. You will receive a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If you are changing your address, bring the new address proof. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since your license was issued.

Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website and check the hours. Many offices require you to take a number or book an appointment online before you arrive. Bring all documents with you. At the office, you will have your photograph taken, sign the new license, and pay the $24 fee. You will leave with a temporary license printed on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Virginia driver's license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above—online, by mail, or in person. The fee remains $24. There is no penalty or late fee for renewing an expired license within the one-year window.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must complete a new driver process. This means you will pay the full new license fee (currently $24 for a five-year license), and you must pass the written knowledge test and the vision test. You do not have to retake the road test unless the DMV requires it based on your driving record. Submit your new process in person at a DMV office.

Real ID Compliance and License Type Changes

Virginia driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant by default, which means they meet federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. When you renew, your new license will also be Real ID-compliant. You do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee.

If you want to change your license type during renewal—for example, from a standard license to a CDL, or to add a motorcycle endorsement—you cannot do this online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your qualifications for the new license type (such as a medical certificate for a CDL). The fee for adding an endorsement is $10 in addition to the $24 renewal fee.

Timeline and Expiration Dates

Virginia driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which means you can start the process early if you prefer. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—it will still be valid for five years from the date you renew.

If you renew online or by mail, plan to start at least three weeks before your expiration date to account for processing and mail delivery time. If you are renewing in person, you can do it on your expiration date itself, though it is better to go a few days early to avoid a rush. After your license expires, you have one year to renew it before you must reapply as a new driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Virginia license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. You must have a Virginia address to hold a Virginia driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must surrender your Virginia license and obtain a license in your new state. If you have moved temporarily but still live in Virginia, you can renew by mail or online if your address on file is still correct.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. The renewal fee is still $24.

Do I need a new photograph when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photograph from your current license will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photograph. You cannot request a new photograph if you are renewing online or by mail.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

If you renewed in person, you have a temporary license valid for 45 days. If you renewed online or by mail and lose your license before the new one arrives, contact the DMV when ready to report it lost and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $15) in addition to the renewal fee you already paid.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes. Virginia does not hold up license renewals because of unpaid traffic fines. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to a conviction or failure to pay a fine, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV to check your driving record status before you attempt to renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.